Hey Guys!
You might remember I’m due to be publishing my third Ridge Walker ‘The Piper’s Promise‘ pretty soon and most of the book is set in Japan, so over the holidays I thought I’d catch up on some contemporary Japanese novels.
This one, Six Four, has had rave reviews and so here is mine from Goodreads for what it’s worth. An interesting book but you’d not want to sell yer granny for one, I don’t think.
Six Four by Hideo Yokoyama
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Let me start by saying this book was unlike any I have read before which is something in itself.
The hype in the bookshop and on the cover is perhaps a tad overblown and I’d imagine many readers will give up Six Four before it really gets going.
The ‘office politics’ don’t grab you by the throat but it does ramp up in tension as you plod onwards and after a while it suddenly feels like the author has inserted a razor-sharp knife into you almost without you knowing it. Then he slowly and inexorably begins to twist it and at that point you just have to keep reading until the end.
Overall I would say it is worth reading and I continued to think about it for days afterwards. If you’re looking for a taste of modern Japan on an epic scale without stereotypes, violence or gore then I’d give it a go. Top tip: write down the names of the key players early on – you’ll thank me, I promise!
PS: Why the pink page edges?
Alex x
Coming soon – #thepiperspromise
PS: Here’s a very recent review for my latest thriller The Devil You Know from Amazon in the US:
What kept me reading was the quality of the writing, in a word: marvelous, an example of modern prose, impossibly long sentences that somehow work out, a sardonic sense of humor and a host of colorful characters that include the traditional tired detective, grumpy old boatman, a prominent local criminal and a beautiful female assassin. I am not a Scot, and I had some trouble following some of the colorful dialogue that illustrates the peculiarities of Scottish conversation. The effort was worth it. More than a story, I recommend this book to readers who appreciate good writing. I am truly impressed and hope to see more books by Alex Breck.
Have you listened to my new Podcast show Alex Breck’s Banter yet?
